I am an ordinary tennis fan. what did i miss

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In stark contrast, four different women won the Slams last year – Madison Keys won the Australian Open, Coco Gauff won her second major at Roland-Garros, Iga Swiatek claimed her first Wimbledon trophy and world number one Aryna Sabalenkova claimed her second US Open. Sabalenka, Swiatek and Gauff are consistently the best players on tour.

Sabalenková before the Australian Open, which she won twice.Credit: Getty Images

But in 2025 there was a big shift. American Amanda Anisim climbed to No. 4 and reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals. Anisimova inadvertently distinguished herself by losing to Swiatek at the All-England Club 6-0, 6-0, but bounced back brilliantly.

Read about her friendship with Australian beast Priscilla Hon here.

What about Australians?

Australia’s top men’s player is Alex de Minaur, who climbed to No. 6 in the world. In the first round, he faces a “lucky loser” after his opponent Matteo Berretini and Drew through illness. But de Minaur has a tough road ahead, facing American Frances Tiafoe in the third round and Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. The Australian is yet to make it to the Grand Slam semifinals.

Alex de Minaur trains at Melbourne Park.Credit: Getty Images

Australia’s best female player is a youngster who has soared up the rankings. Maya Joint, 19, is the world No. 32, earning herself a spot at the Australian Open. Joint won the title at Eastbourne before Wimbledon last year. Even going into round four in Melbourne would be an excellent step forward. What matters is that she likes Vegemite.

The country has also secured a new female star after former top 10 player Daria Kasatkina made a sensational move from Russia to Australia last year. Kasatkina has been playing the Australian Open for more than a decade, but this is her first as an Aussie.